Friday 20th July 2018
DUMBARTON’S Betfred Cup sectional campaign reaches matchday three tomorrow, with Kilmarnock visiting the C&G Systems Stadium.
With five points out of six, Sons are top of Group H and manager Stevie Aitken is keen to keep the momentum going.
But with Killie having finished last season very strongly under manager Steve Clarke, he is aware of the challenge which lies ahead.
He said: “We’ve made a good start to our campaign in the Betfred Cup and whatever happens tomorrow and next week, we’ve beaten our best points haul in the competition under its current format.
“But we want to do even better and although well aware of the task we face tomorrow, we’ll look to give as good an account of ourselves as possible against Kilmarnock.
“We know from their performance in the second half of last season how tough they will be, but we will embrace the challenge.”
The gaffer reports that he could have a full squad available for tomorrow. Cammy Ballantyne’s injury did flare up again on Tuesday as he warmed up as a substitute against Queen’s Park, but he is recovering and is rated 50/50.
Striker Rory Loy is in line for a place in the squad and could be seen in a Dumbarton jersey for the first time.
This is the second season in a row the clubs have met in the Betfred Cup, with Sons having travelled to Rugby Park last season only to be beaten 3-0.
Tomorrow’s match actually creates a bit of history as it is Kilmarnock’s first competitive visit to what is now the C&G Systems Stadium. They have not visited Dumbarton since Saturday, February 13 1993, when they lost 1-0 to a Martin Mooney goal.
After tomorrow, the only SPFL clubs still to visit the stadium for a competitive match will be Aberdeen, Celtic, Motherwell, St Johnstone and Edinburgh City.
Experienced referee Craig Thomson will be in charge of tomorrow’s game, with Andy Milne and Colin McAlpine assisting.
Admission prices are £15 for adults, £10 for concessions and under-16s will be admitted for just £5.
Our Twitter updates will be live from 2pm tomorrow. A match summary will be online on the final whistle and a match report, pictures and reaction will be available as soon as possible afterwards, with Sons TV to follow.